Trump, 79, Unleashes Midnight Rant on Slain Nurse Alex Pretti
In a late-night social media post, former President Donald Trump criticized Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old Veterans Affairs nurse shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis. Trump labeled Pretti as an “insurrectionist” on Truth Social at 1:26 a.m. on a Friday. His comments centered around a recently released video showing Pretti confronting an ICE officer prior to his death.
Alex Pretti: The Incident
On January 25, 2026, Alex Pretti was shot multiple times during an encounter with Customs and Border Patrol agents. The confrontation occurred in Minneapolis, sparking widespread public discourse. Pretti was legally armed but did not brandish his weapon during the incident. Days prior, video footage showed Pretti yelling at agents and kicking a government vehicle, which has since fueled controversy surrounding his death.
Public Reaction and Commentary
- Lawyer Steve Schleicher stated that Pretti posed no threat before being shot.
- Trump’s terminology and online posts have incited discussions about potential military intervention in Minnesota.
- Right-wing figures have characterized Pretti’s actions as those of a violent agitator.
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and ex-Fox News host Megyn Kelly claimed the video indicated Pretti was seeking confrontation with law enforcement. This angle has been adopted by many in Trump’s circle to justify the shooting.
Government Response
The White House attempted to distance itself from extreme characterizations of Pretti by some associates. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem previously labeled Pretti as a “domestic terrorist.” In contrast, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that Trump had not adopted the same language and emphasized the need for factual investigation.
Future Implications
Trump expressed intentions to de-escalate tensions in Minneapolis following the shootings of both Pretti and another individual, Renee Nicole Good. He mentioned his administrative changes, including the appointment of Tom Homan as border czar, to facilitate dialogue with local leadership.
As discussions continue about the events surrounding Alex Pretti’s tragic death, the complexities of law enforcement interactions and public safety remain critical topics of concern.
